₹25K → ₹3 lakh
Revenue rebound within two months of a refocused strategy
“Marketing a ₹5,000 course takes the same effort as a ₹1.5 lakh course, so I choose to sell value.”
Karpagam ElangoFounder, Online Sewing Academy (ONSA)
Applications open · Year 2
Is your business ready for growth at scale?
Bridging Market Access: an advanced training programme for Indian women business owners
Practical business training, expert mentorship, technology support and connections to new market opportunities, designed for women-owned businesses ready to sell to larger buyers and corporate supply chains.
Empowering women. Strengthening businesses. Building a brighter future.
Year 1 · 2025
Last year, 91 women founders went through the programme. Here is what changed.
91women entrepreneurs trained across virtual and in-person sessions
367hours of one-on-one and group mentoring
24senior mentors from industry, tech, pharma and finance
100%of the mentorship cohort stayed to the end
77%reported improved readiness to supply to corporates
82%applied new business practices and digital tools
65%said business growth helped them create jobs
90%would recommend the programme to other women founders
Source: Bridging Market Access Final Report and participant impact survey, 2025.
What the programme offers
Ten months that move a business from capable to market-ready
The programme builds business capability, market readiness and growth potential in stages, so each phase builds on the last.
Phase 1Nov – Dec 2026
Virtual training
Four online sessions on business model innovation, marketing and sales, financial planning, and health awareness.
Phase 2Jan – Feb 2027
In-person training
Two days in Bengaluru or Chennai on pitch development, digital transformation, procurement readiness, corporate networking and sustainability.
Phase 3Apr – Jun 2027
Certification
Guidance on WEConnect International's Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, recognised by corporate buyers looking to source from women-owned businesses.
Throughout
Networking
Connect with fellow founders, industry experts and business ecosystem partners. Last year's cohort became each other's customers, collaborators and support system.
Additional opportunity for select high-potential businesses
Feb – Apr 2027
Personalised mentoring
Three months of one-on-one mentoring, plus masterclasses with experts and AstraZeneca leaders.
Apr – Jun 2027
Incubation & investor readiness
Incubation supported by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, with an immersion at IIM Bangalore to prepare for investors.
Who can apply?
- Businesses at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women
- Registered in India and operational for at least 3 years
- Applicant is the Founder or a CXO of the business
- Businesses in Health, Technology and Life Sciences product or service categories are preferred
Note
- Businesses from Tier II and Tier III cities are highly encouraged to apply.
- Categories beyond Life Sciences and Technology will also be considered.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel and stay for the in-person programme.
Check your fit in 20 seconds
Is your business 51%+ women-owned, managed and controlled?
Is it registered in India?
Has it been operating for 3 years or more?
Are you the Founder or a CXO?
Answer the four questions to see if your business fits.
In their words
Founders from Year 1 left with sharper strategy, new customers and a peer network
Mentor voices
Mentors who give their time because they have walked the same road
Through her consistency and determination, Sunita not only refined her value proposition and USP but also established B2B market linkages within a short span. When one woman supports another, together they rise.”
Meghna Joshi · Founder, SWAN Livelihood
I particularly loved the accountability-based approach to the mentoring program, which ensures delivery for the founders. The opportunity to meet so many interesting women founders from varied domains was just brilliant.”
D R Karthik · Founder, Helloha
Loved guiding my mentees on market reach, client expectations, and proposal strategies, and equally enjoyed learning from their sharp, real-world insights.”
Jaishree Kasturi · Independent IT Consultant
Mentoring mends your will while coaching works your will. In my mentoring journey with my mentee, I was able to see it happen in real time, particularly since the mentee was serious about her growth.”
Dr Shubha Rajan · Author, Coach, Facilitator
I enjoyed being a part of this journey, helping unlock the tremendous potential of my humble, smart and curious mentee.”
P Sapna Nair · Founding Member, RippleMun; Global Technology Executive
I am only hoping this community that's formed becomes a force multiplier, with program participants giving back to the community of women entrepreneurs.”
Kalyanasundaram Natarajan · Independent Director; Finance, Strategy & ESG
How to apply
Applying takes three steps and one form
01
Fill in the form
Share your business details through the official application form before 15 November 2026.
02
Shortlisting
The programme team reviews applications against the eligibility criteria and contacts shortlisted founders.
03
Begin in November
Selected founders join the first virtual training sessions in November–December 2026.
FAQ
Questions founders asked us
My business is not in health, technology or life sciences. Can I still apply?
Yes. Health, Technology and Life Sciences businesses are preferred, and businesses from other categories will also be considered. Last year's cohort included sustainable products, education, design, advisory services and more.
What does "51% women-owned, managed and controlled" mean?
One or more women together own at least 51% of the business, and also run its day-to-day management and hold decision-making control.
I am not based in a metro. Is this programme for me?
Yes. Businesses from Tier II and Tier III cities are highly encouraged to apply. The virtual sessions are online, and the two-day in-person training is held in Bengaluru and Chennai.
What is the time commitment?
The core programme has four online sessions (November–December 2026) and two days of in-person training (January–February 2027), followed by certification guidance. Founders selected for personalised mentoring and incubation commit additional time between February and June 2027.
Who covers travel and stay for the in-person training?
Participants are responsible for their own travel and stay for the in-person programmes.
Does every participant get one-on-one mentoring and incubation?
Personalised mentoring and incubation are additional opportunities for select high-potential businesses from the cohort. Every participant receives the virtual and in-person training, certification guidance and networking.
What is WBE certification?
Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from WEConnect International verifies that a business is at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women. Many corporate buyers use it to find women-owned suppliers. The programme guides you through the process.
Does taking part make my business an AstraZeneca supplier?
No. Participation does not imply any relationship, partnership or supply arrangement with AstraZeneca. The programme builds the readiness to pursue corporate buyers in general.
Who can fill in the application?
The Founder or a CXO of the women-owned business.
Who do I contact with questions?
Write to Ankita Mirani at ankita.mirani@riseinfinity.org.
Last date to apply · 15 November 2026
Slots are limited. Apply while the cohort is still forming.
Apply nowKnow a woman founder who fits?
Send her the application link. Most of last year's founders heard about the programme from someone in their network.
Bridging Market Access 2026–27
Supported by AstraZeneca. Programme partner: RISE Infinity Foundation. In collaboration with WEConnect International and NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore.
Queries: ankita.mirani@riseinfinity.org
Please note
- Participants are responsible for their own travel and stay for in-person programmes.
- Participation does not imply any relationship, partnership or supply with AstraZeneca.